The Lake District

May 6, Bassenthwaite ospreys relocate to new nest

The Lake District’s famous ospreys have settled in a new nest on the eastern side of Bassenthwaite Lake after spending 7 breeding seasons on the opposite site at a nest in Wythop Woods.

Despite the move, the existing viewpoint at Dodd Wood remains open and gives visitors the change to see the ospreys fishing in the lake and watch woodland birds. The Lake District Osprey Team is hoping to set up a new viewpoint near the new nest.

Graeme Prest of the Lake District Osprey Project said, ‘Over the years we have learnt to ‘expect the unexpected’ when it comes to our ospreys and clearly this year it's going to be no different, with yet another twist to the tale. However, it's great news that it looks like it's going to be business as usual for our ospreys but just at a different nest and it does mean that we’ll need to alter our osprey viewing arrangements for visitors slightly.’

Apr 16, Vote for your favourite North West picnic spot

North West picnic lovers can vote for their favourite picnic spot in a competition being organised by Bolton-based bakers Warburtons. Ten sites in the region have been nominated:

Stanley Park – Blackpool
Lyme Park – Disley, Cheshire
Heaton Park – Manchester
Formby Beach – Merseyside
Beeston Castle – Tarporley, Cheshire
Barley Picnic Site – Pendle Hill, Ribble Valley
Jumbles Reservoir – Bradshaw Valley, Bolton
Beacon Fell – Goosnargh, near Preston
Fell Foot Park – Windermere, Lake District
Crook o’ Lune – Lune Valley, Lancaster

Votes can be registered at www.welovebread.co.uk until May 16 2008. All voters are entered into a draw to win a picnic in Central Park, New York.

The winner will be announced at the start of June and will go compete against the other regional winners for the title of ‘Warburtons Best Picnic Spot 2008’.

Apr 1, TV presenter unveils new exhibit

A new exhibit was unveiled at the Aquarium of the Lakes at Lakeside on Saturday by television presenter Michaela Strachan. The £100,000 Virtual Dive Bell allows visitors to get close and personal with the undersea life via interactive computer screenings.

Apr 1, Bridge to be named after Wainwright

Blackburn’s new bridge on Freckleton Street is to be named after guidebook author Alfred Wainwright after a poll conducted by the Lancashire Telegraph. Wainwright was born in Blackburn in 1907 and is best known for his guides to the Lake District, in particular the seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.

Mar 25, Finalists announced for the Northern Hospitality Awards 2008

Moorfield Media have announced the nominations for the Northern Hospitality Awards 2008. The winners will be announced at the Lowry Hotel on April 7. The finalists include:

Best Restaurant

Brasserie Black Door, Newcastle Upon Tyne
El Gato Negro, West Yorkshire
Holbeck Ghyll, Cumbria
The London Carriage Works, Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool
The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire

Best Hotel

City Inn, Manchester
Hilton Manchester Deansgate
The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Malmaison, Liverpool
Radisson Edwardian, Manchester

Best Pub

The Bayley Arms, Lancashire
The Highway Man, Lancashire
The Q Bar, Cheshire
The Shoulder of Mutton, Harrogate
The Swettenham Arms, Cheshire

Best Chef

Lisa Allen, Head Chef, Northcote Manor, Lancashire
Paul Askew, Chef Patron, The London Carriage Works, Liverpool
David Kennedy, Executive Chef, Black Door Group, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Simon Shaw, Chef Patron, El Gato Negro, West Yorkshire
Eyck Zimmer, Executive Head Chef, The Lowry Hotel, Manchester

Best Wine Offering

The Devonshire Brasserie and Bar
Hillbark Hotel
Malmaison, Liverpool
Northcote Manor, Lancashire
Warehouse Brasserie, Southport